Adapter, extension, and connector assemblies for surgical devices

ABSTRACT

An assembly including an adapter assembly and an extension assembly for connecting an end effector to an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The adapter assembly includes a first pusher assembly configured for converting rotational motion into linear motion. The first pusher assembly includes a pusher member and first and second pawl assemblies for operable engagement with a flexible band assembly of the extension assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/251,930, filed Nov. 6, 2015, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to powered surgical devices.More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an adapter assemblyfor selectively connecting an extension assembly including an endeffector to the actuation units of the powered surgical devices.

2. Background of Related Art

Powered devices for use in surgical procedures are known. To permitreuse of the handle assemblies of these powered surgical devices and sothat the handle assembly may be used with a variety of end effectors,adapter assemblies and extension assemblies have been developed forselective attachment to the handle assemblies and to a variety of endeffectors. Following use, the adapter and/or extension assemblies may bedisposed of along with the end effector. In some instances, the adapterassemblies and extension assemblies may be sterilized for reuse.

SUMMARY

A surgical assembly for operably connecting an end effector to anelectrosurgical instrument is provided. The surgical assembly includesan adapter assembly including a connector assembly, a drive transferassembly operably received through the connector assembly and includinga first rotatable shaft, and a first pusher assembly operably connectedto the first rotatable shaft for converting rotational motion from thefirst rotatable shaft to longitudinal movement to perform a firstfunction, the first pusher assembly including a first pusher member andfirst and second pawl assemblies. The surgical assembly further includesan extension assembly operably connected to a distal end of the adapterassembly. The extension assembly includes a flexible band assemblyoperably connectable to the first and second pawl assemblies of thefirst pusher assembly.

In embodiments, the surgical assembly further includes a second pusherassembly, and a second rotatable shaft operably connected to the secondpusher assembly for converting rotational motion from the secondrotatable shaft to longitudinal movement to perform a second function.The surgical assembly may further include a drive member, and a thirdrotatable shaft operably connected to the drive assembly fortransferring rotational motion from the third rotatable shaft to performa third function. The first pawl assembly may include a first pluralityof pawl members, and the second pawl assembly includes a secondplurality of pawl members. The flexible band assembly may include firstand second connector members. Each of the first and second connectormembers may define an opening configured for selective receipt of arespective one of the first and second pawl assemblies.

In some embodiments, the first plurality of pawl members includes aprotrusion selectively receivable within the opening of the firstconnector member, and the second plurality of pawl members includes aprotrusion selectively receivable within the opening of the secondconnector member. Each of the protrusions may include a flat proximalfacing surface and a slanted distal facing surface. The first and secondplurality of pawl members may be pivotally secured to the pusher member.

The pusher member may include a first retainer for supporting the firstplurality of pawl members, and a second retainer for supporting thesecond plurality of pawl members. The first and second retainers mayeach define a longitudinal slot for receiving the respective first andsecond plurality of pawl members. The first plurality of pawl membersmay be pivotally received within the longitudinal slot of the firstretainer, and the second plurality of pawl members may be pivotallyreceived within the longitudinal slot of the second retainer. Each ofthe first and second plurality of pawl members may be configured to flexradially inward. The first and second plurality of pawl members may eachinclude a curved profile. The first and second plurality of pawl membersmay each be formed of a resilient material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective separated view of an adapter assembly, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, an extensionassembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure,and an exemplary electromechanical surgical device;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the exemplary electromechanicalsurgical device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 3 withthe outer sleeve removed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIGS. 3 and4 with proximal and distal housings of first and second pusherassemblies removed;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter assembly of FIGS.2-4 taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the adapter assembly of FIGS.2-5 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, perspective view of a coupling assembly and atransfer assembly of the adapter assembly of FIGS. 2-7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective side view of adapter assembly of FIGS. 2-7 withthe housing assemblies removed;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a perspective end view of the transfer assembly of FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 7;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a perspective side view of the extension assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a perspective side view of an inner flexible band assembly ofthe extension assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective side view of an outer flexible band assembly ofthe extension assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a perspective side view of the inner and outer flexible bandassemblies of FIGS. 18 and 19 and an exploded view of a frame assemblyof the extension assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a perspective side view of the inner and outer flexible bandassemblies and frame assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a front, perspective view of the inner and outer flexibleband assemblies and frame assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged perspective side view of a distal end of theinner and outer flexible band assemblies and frame assembly of FIG. 20including a proximal seal member and first and second distal sealmembers;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the proximal seal member andfirst and second distal seal members of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of a trocar assembly of the extensionassembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 29A is a perspective side view of a connector assembly of theextension assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 29B is a cross-section side view of the connector assembly of FIG.29A;

FIG. 30 is a perspective side view of the trocar assembly of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 31-31 of FIG.30;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional top view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 33 is an enlarge cross-sectional view of the distal end of theextension assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 34 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 3connected to the extension assembly of FIG. 17 and an end effector andan anvil assembly connected to the extension assembly;

FIG. 35A is an enlarged cross-sectional top view of the indicated areaof detail of FIG. 34;

FIG. 35B is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the indicated areaof detail in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a perspective side view of an adapter assembly according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 37-37 of FIG.36;

FIG. 38 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the indicated areaof detail of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is an exploded perspective view of a pusher assembly of theadapter assembly of FIG. 36;

FIG. 40 is a perspective side view of the pusher assembly of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional side view taken along line 41-41 of FIG.40;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional top view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 36secured to the extension assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 43 is an enlarged cross-sectional top view of the indicated area ofdetail of FIG. 42, prior to full securement of the extension assembly tothe adapter assembly;

FIG. 44 is an enlarged cross-sectional top view of the indicated area ofdetail of FIG. 42, with the extension assembly secured to the adapterassembly; and

FIG. 45 is a perspective side view of the adapter assembly and extensionassembly of FIG. 42, with outer sleeves removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed adapter assemblies and extensionassemblies for surgical devices and/or handle assemblies are describedin detail with reference to the drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of theseveral views. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portionof the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof,farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portionof the adapter assembly or surgical device, or component thereof, closerto the user.

With reference to FIG. 1, an adapter assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure, shown generally as adapterassembly 100, is configured for selective connection to a poweredhandheld electromechanical instrument shown, generally as surgicaldevice 10. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the surgical device 10 isconfigured for selective connection with the adapter assembly 100, and,in turn, the adapter assembly 100 is configured for selective connectionwith an extension assembly 200. The extension assembly 200 is configuredfor selective connection with a tool assembly or end effector, e.g. toolassembly 30 (FIG. 34), including a loading unit, e.g. loading unit 40(FIG. 34), and an anvil assembly, e.g., anvil assembly 50 (FIG. 34), forapplying a circular array of staples (not shown) to tissue (not shown).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the surgical device 10 includes ahandle housing 12 having a lower housing portion 14, an intermediatehousing portion 16 extending from and/or supported on the lower housingportion 14, and an upper housing portion 18 extending from and/orsupported on the intermediate housing portion 16. A distal half-sectionof the upper housing portion 18 defines a nose or connecting portion 18a configured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly 110 (FIG.10) of the adapter assembly 100. For a detailed description of thestructure and function of an exemplary electromechanical instrument,please refer to commonly owned U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2012/0253329(“the '329 application”), the contents of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

The adapter assembly 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS.3-20. Referring initially to FIG. 3, the adapter assembly 100 includes aproximal end 102 configured for operable connection to the connectingportion 18 a (FIG. 1) of the surgical device 10 (FIG. 1) and a distalend 104 configured for operable connection to the extension assembly 200(FIG. 1).

Turning to FIGS. 3-5, from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104 ofthe adapter assembly 100, the adapter assembly 100 includes a drivecoupling assembly 110, a drive transfer assembly 130 operably connectedto the drive coupling assembly 110, a first pusher assembly 160 operablyconnected to the drive transfer assembly 130, and a second pusherassembly 180 operably connected to the drive transfer assembly 130. Eachof the drive transfer assembly 130 and the first and second pusherassemblies 160, 180 are operably maintained within an outer sleeve 106(FIG. 3). As will be described in further detail below, a shaft 108(FIG. 3) extends longitudinally through the adapter assembly 100 and isoperably connected to the drive transfer assembly 130.

With reference to FIGS. 5-9, the drive coupling assembly 110 has acylindrical profile and is configured to selectively secure the adapterassembly 100 to the surgical device 10 (FIG. 1). The drive couplingassembly 110 includes a connector housing 112 and a connector extension114 fixedly connected to the connector housing 112 by a mounting plate113. The connector housing 112 and the connector extension 114 operateto rotatably support a first rotatable proximal drive shaft 116, asecond rotatable proximal drive shaft 118, and a third rotatableproximal drive shaft 120. The connector housing 112 and the connectorextension 114 of the drive coupling assembly 110 also rotatably supportthe first, second, and third connector sleeves 116, 118, and 120,respectively. Each of the connector sleeves 122, 124, 126 is configuredto mate with the respective first, second, and third drive connectors(not shown) of surgical device 10 (FIG. 1). Each of the connectorsleeves 122, 124, 126 is further configured to mate with a proximal end116 a, 118 a, 120 a of the respective first, second and third proximaldrive shafts 116, 118, 120.

The drive coupling assembly 110 also includes first, second and thirdbiasing members 122 a, 124 a and 126 a disposed distally of therespective first, second and third connector sleeves 122, 124, 126. Eachof the biasing members 122 a, 124 a and 126 a is disposed about therespective first, second, and third rotatable proximal drive shafts 122,124 and 126 to help maintain the connector sleeves 122, 124, and 126engaged with the distal end of the respective rotatable drive connectors(not shown) of the surgical device 10 when the adapter assembly 100 isconnected to the surgical device 10. In particular, the first, second,and third biasing members 122 a, 124 a, and 126 a function to bias therespective connector sleeves 122, 124, and 126 in a proximal direction.

For a detailed description of an exemplary drive coupling assembly,please refer to the '329 application, the contents of which werepreviously incorporated by reference herein.

With reference to FIGS. 9-13, the drive transfer assembly 130 has acylindrical profile and operably connects the distal ends of the first,second, and third rotatable proximal drive shafts 116, 118, and 120 tothe shaft 108, the first pusher assembly 160, and the second pusherassembly 180, respectively. The drive transfer assembly 130 includes asupport plate 132 (FIGS. 11 and 12) secured to a proximal end of theconnector housing 112 and a drive transfer housing 134 positionedadjacent the support plate 132. The support plate 132 and the housing134 operate to rotatably support a first rotatable distal drive shaft136, a second rotatable distal drive shaft 138 and a drive member 140.

The first and second rotatable distal drive shafts 136 and 138 are eachoperably connected to the respective first and second rotatable proximaldrive shafts 116 and 118 of the drive coupling assembly 110 by a pair ofgears. In particular, the distal ends of each of the first and secondrotatable proximal drive shaft 116 and 118 include a geared portion 142a and 144 a, respectively, which engages a proximal drive gear 142 b and144 b on a proximal end of the respective first and second distal driveshafts 136 and 138. As shown, each of the respective paired gearedportions and proximal drive gears 142 a, 142 b and 144 a, 144 b are thesame size to provide a 1:1 gear ratio between the respective first andsecond rotatable proximal and distal drive shafts 116, 136 and 118, 138.In this manner, the respective first and second rotatable proximal anddistal drive shafts 116, 136 and 118, 138 rotate at the same speed.However, it is envisioned that either or both of the paired gearedportions and proximal drive gears may be of different sizes to alter thegear ratio between the first and second rotatable proximal and distaldrive shafts 116, 136 and 118, 138.

A distal end of the third proximal drive shaft 120 of the drive couplingassembly 110 includes a geared portion 146 a that engages a gearedportion 146 b formed on a proximal end of the drive member 140 of thedrive transfer assembly 130. The size of the geared portion 146 a on thethird proximal drive shaft 120 and the geared portion 146 b on the drivemember 140 are the same size to provide a 1:1 gear ratio between thethird proximal drive shaft 120 and the drive member 140. In this manner,the third proximal drive shaft 120 and the drive member 140 rotate atthe same speed. However, it is envisioned that either or both of thegeared portions 146 a, 146 b may be of different sizes to alter the gearratio between the third proximal drive shaft 120 and the drive member140. A distal end of the drive member 140 defines a socket 145 thatreceives a proximal end 108 a of the shaft 108. Alternatively, thesocket 145 may be configured to operably engage a proximal end 208 a ofa drive shaft (FIG. 17) of an extension assembly 200 (FIG. 17).

The drive transfer assembly 130 also includes a drive connector 148(FIG. 11) operably connecting the first rotatable distal drive shaft 136to the first pusher assembly 160 and a tubular connector 150 operablyconnecting the second rotatable distal drive shaft 138 to the secondpusher assembly 180. In particular, a distal end of the first rotatabledistal drive shaft 136 includes a geared portion 152 a that engages ageared portion 152 b of the drive connector 148. A distal end of thesecond rotatable distal drive shaft 138 includes a geared portion 154 athat engages a drive gear 154 b secured to a distal end of the tubularconnector 150.

As shown, the geared portion 152 a of the first rotatable distal driveshaft 136 is smaller than the geared portion 152 b of the driveconnector 148 to provide a gear ratio of greater than 1:1 between thefirst rotatable distal drive shaft 136 and the drive connector 148. Inthis manner, the drive connector 148 rotates at a slower speed than thefirst rotatable distal drive shaft 136. Similarly, the geared portion154 a of the second rotatable distal drive shaft 138 is smaller than thedrive gear 154 b on the tubular connector 150 to provide a gear ratio ofgreater than 1:1 between the second rotatable distal drive shaft 138 andthe drive connector 148. In this manner, the tubular connector 150rotates at a slower speed than the second rotatable distal drive shaft138. However, it is envisioned that each of the paired geared portions152 a, 152 b, and the geared portion 154 a and the drive gear 154 b maybe the same size to provide a gear ratio of 1:1 between the respectivefirst rotatable distal drive shaft 136 and the drive connector 148 andbetween the second rotatable distal drive shaft 138 and the tubularconnector 150.

With particular reference to FIGS. 9-13, the first pusher assembly 160includes proximal and distal housing sections 162, 164 (FIG. 11), aplanetary gear assembly 166 operably mounted within the proximal housingsection 162, a screw member 168 (FIG. 11) operably connected to theplanetary gear assembly 166 and rotatably supported within the distalhousing section 164, and a pusher member 170 (FIG. 11) operablyconnected to the screw member 168 and slidably disposed within thedistal housing section 164. The proximal housing section 162 includes apair of longitudinal flanges 162 a (FIG. 4; only one shown) and thedistal housing section 164 includes a pair of longitudinally flattenedportions 164 a. Each of the flanges 162 a and the flattened portions 164a of the respective proximal and distal housing sections 162, 164 engagean inner surface of the sleeve 106 to prevent rotation of the respectiveproximal housing section 162 and the distal housing section 164 relativeto the sleeve 106 during operation of the surgical device 10.

The planetary gear assembly 166 includes first and second planetary gearsystems 166 a, 166 b (FIG. 10). The first planetary gear system 166 a ofthe first pusher assembly 160 includes a central drive gear 172 amounted on a distal end of the drive connector 148 of the drive transferassembly 130 and a plurality of planetary gears 174 a rotatably mountedto a rotatable support ring 176.

Each of the planetary gears 174 a engages the central drive gear 172 aand a toothed inner surface 165 of the proximal housing section 162. Ascentral drive gear 172 a rotates in a first direction, i.e., clockwise,each of the planetary gears 174 a rotates in a second direction, i.e.,counter-clockwise. As each of the planetary gears 174 a rotates in thesecond direction, engagement of the planetary gears 174 a with thetoothed inner surface 165 of the distal housing section 162 causes therotatable support ring 176 to rotate in the first direction. Conversely,rotation of the central drive gear 172 a in the second direction causesrotation of each of the planetary gears 174 a in the first directionthereby causing rotation of the rotatable support ring 176 in the seconddirection. The configuration of the first planetary gear system 166 aprovides a reduction in the gear ratio. In this manner, the speed ofrotation of the rotatable support ring 174 is less than the speed ofrotation of the central drive gear 172 a.

The second planetary gear system 166 b of the first pusher assembly 160includes a central drive gear 172 b securely affixed to the rotatablesupport ring 176 and a plurality of planetary gears 174 b rotatablymounted to a proximal end surface 168 a of the screw member 168. Each ofthe planetary gears 174 b engages the central drive gear 172 b and thetoothed inner surface 165 of the proximal housing section 162. As therotatable support ring 176 of the first planetary gear system 166 arotates in the first direction thereby causing the central drive gear172 b to also rotate in the first direction, each of the planetary gears174 b rotates in the second direction. As each of the planetary gears174 b rotates in the second direction, engagement of the planetary gears174 b with the toothed inner surface 165 of the proximal housing section162 causes the screw member 168 to rotate in the first direction.Conversely, rotation of the central drive gear 172 b in the seconddirection causes rotation of each of the planetary gears 174 b in thefirst direction, thereby causing the screw member 168 to rotate in thesecond direction. The configuration of the second planetary gear system166 b provides a reduction in the gear ratio. In this manner, the speedof rotation of the screw member 168 is less than the speed of rotationof the central drive gear 172 b.

The first and second planetary gear systems 166 a, 166 b operate inunison to provide a reduction in the gear ratio between the firstrotatable proximal drive shaft 116 and the screw member 168. In thismanner, the reduction in the speed of rotation of the screw member 168relative to the drive connector 148 is a product of the reductionprovided by the first and second planetary gear systems 166 a, 166 b.

The screw member 168 is rotatably supported within the proximal housingportion 162 and includes a threaded distal end 168 b that operablyengages a threaded inner surface 170 a of the pusher member 170. As thescrew member 168 is rotated in the first direction, engagement of thethreaded distal end 168 b of the screw member 168 with the threadedinner surface 170 a of the pusher member 170 causes longitudinaladvancement of the pusher member 170, as indicated by arrows “A” in FIG.12. Conversely, rotation of the screw member 168 in the second directioncauses retraction of the pusher member 170.

The pusher member 170 includes a pair of tabs 178 formed on a distal endthereof for engaging the connector extensions 240, 242 (FIG. 19) of theouter flexible band assembly 230 (FIG. 19) of the extension assembly 200(FIG. 17). Although shown as tabs 178, it is envisioned that the pushermember 170 may include any structure suitable for selectively engagingthe connector extensions 240, 242 of the outer flexible band 230 of theextension assembly 200.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 14-16, the second pusher assembly180 is substantially similar to the first pusher assembly 160, andincludes proximal and distal housing sections 182, 184, a planetary gearassembly 186 operably mounted within the proximal housing section 182, ascrew member 188 operably connected to the planetary gear assembly 186and rotatably supported within the distal housing section 184, and apusher member 190 operably connected to the screw member 188 andslidably disposed within the distal housing section 184. Each of theproximal housing section 182 and the distal housing section 184 includesa pair of longitudinal flanges 182 a, 184 a (FIG. 4; only one shown),respectively, engaging an inner surface of the sleeve 106 of the adapterassembly 100 to prevent rotation of the respective proximal housingsection 182 and the distal housing section 184 relative to the sleeve106 during operation of the surgical device 10.

The planetary gear assembly 186 includes first and second planetary gearsystems 186 a, 186 b (FIG. 16). The first planetary gear system 186 a ofthe second pusher assembly 180 includes a central drive gear 192 amounted on a distal end of the tubular connector 150 of the drivetransfer assembly 130 and a plurality of planetary gears 194 a rotatablymounted to a rotatable support ring 196.

Each of the planetary gears 194 a engages the central drive gear 192 aand a toothed inner surface 185 of the proximal housing section 182. Ascentral drive gear 192 a rotates in a first direction, i.e., clockwise,each of the planetary gears 194 a rotates in a second direction, i.e.,counter-clockwise. As each of the planetary gears 194 a rotates in thesecond direction, engagement of the planetary gears 194 a with toothedinner surface 185 of the distal housing section 182 causes the rotatablesupport ring 196 to rotate in the first direction.

Conversely, rotation of the central drive gear 192 a in the seconddirection causes rotation of each of the planetary gears 194 a in thefirst direction thereby causing rotation of the rotatable support ring196 in the second direction. The configuration of the first planetarygear system 186 a provides a reduction in the gear ratio. In thismanner, the speed of rotation of the rotatable support ring 194 is lessthan the speed of rotation of the central drive gear 190 a.

The second planetary gear system 186 b of the second pusher assembly 180includes a central drive gear 192 b securely affixed to the rotatablesupport ring 196 and a plurality of planetary gears 194 b rotatablymounted to a proximal end surface 188 a of the screw member 188. Each ofthe planetary gears 194 b engages the central drive gear 192 b and thetoothed inner surface 185 of the proximal housing section 182. As therotatable support ring 196 of the first planetary gear system 186 arotates in the first direction thereby causing the central drive gear192 b to also rotate in the first direction, each of the planetary gears174 b rotates in the second direction. As each of the planetary gears194 b rotates in the second direction, engagement of the planetary gears194 b with the toothed inner surface 185 of the proximal housing section182 causes the screw member 188 to rotate in the first direction.Conversely, rotation of the central drive gear 192 b in the seconddirection causes rotation of each of the planetary gears 194 b in thefirst direction, thereby causing the screw member 198 to rotate in thesecond direction. The configuration of the second planetary gear system186 b provides a reduction in the gear ratio. In this manner, the speedof rotation of the screw member 188 is less than the speed of rotationof the central drive gear 182 b. The first and second planetary gearsystems 186 a, 186 b operate in unison to provide a reduction in thegear ratio between the second rotatable proximal drive shaft 118 and thescrew member 188. In this manner, the reduction in the speed of rotationof the screw member 188 relative to the tubular connector 150 is aproduct of the reduction provided by the first and second planetary gearsystems 186 a, 186 b.

The screw member 188 is rotatably supported within the proximal housingportion 182 and includes a threaded distal end 188 b that operablyengages a threaded inner surface 190 a of the pusher member 190. As thescrew member 188 is rotated in the first direction, engagement of thethreaded distal end 188 b of the screw member 188 with the threadedinner surface 190 a of the pusher member 190 causes longitudinaladvancement of the pusher member 190. Conversely, rotation of the screwmember 188 in the second direction causes retraction of the pushermember 190. The pusher member 190 includes a pair of longitudinalflanges 191 (FIG. 5; only one shown) that engage the distal housingsection 184 of the second pusher assembly 180 for preventing rotation ofthe pusher member 190 relative to the distal housing section 184.

The pusher member 190 includes a pair of tabs 198 formed on a distal endthereof for engaging the connector extensions 220, 224 (FIG. 18) of theinner flexible band assembly 220 (FIG. 18) of the extension assembly 200(FIG. 17). Although shown as tabs 198, it is envisioned that the pushermember 190 may include any structure suitable for selectively engagingthe connector extensions 240, 242 of the outer flexible band 230 of theextension assembly 200.

The extension assembly 200 for operably connecting the adapter assembly100 (FIG. 3) with a circular loading unit, e.g. the loading unit 40(FIG. 34) and an anvil assembly, e.g., the anvil assembly 50 (FIG. 34)will be described with reference now to FIGS. 17-34. In particular, aproximal end 202 of the extension assembly 200 operably connects withthe distal end 104 (FIG. 3) of the adapter assembly 100 (FIG. 3) and adistal end 204 of the extension assembly 200 operably connects with theloading unit 40 and the anvil assembly 50. As shown, the extensionassembly 200 provides a slight curvature between the proximal and distalends 202, 204. In an alternative embodiment, the extension assembly 200may be straight or may include a greater curvature. Although theextension assembly 200 will be shown and described as being used toconnect the loading unit 40 and the anvil assembly 50 to the adapterassembly 100 (FIG. 3), it is envisioned that the aspects of the presentdisclosure may be modified for use with various loading units, anvilassemblies, and adapter assemblies. Exemplary loading units and anvilassemblies are described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 8,590,763 andU.S. Pat. Appl. Ser. Nos. 14/056,301 and 14/149,355, the contents ofeach being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The extension assembly 200 includes an inner flexible band assembly 210(FIG. 18), an outer flexible band assembly 230 (FIG. 19) slidablydisposed about the inner flexible band assembly 210, a frame assembly250 (FIG. 20) for supporting the inner and outer flexible bandassemblies 210, 230, a trocar assembly 270 (FIG. 28) operably receivedthrough the inner and outer flexible band assemblies 210, 230, and aconnector assembly 290 for securing the loading unit 40 (FIG. 34) to theextension assembly 200. An outer sleeve 206 (FIG. 17) is received aboutthe frame assembly 250 and the trocar assembly 270 and the inner andouter flexible band assemblies 210, 230 are slidably received throughthe outer sleeve 206. As will be described in further detail below, theextension assembly 200 may include a drive shaft 208 operably connectedto the trocar assembly 270 and extending through the proximal end 202 ofthe extension assembly 200.

With reference to FIG. 18, the inner flexible band assembly 210 includesfirst and second inner flexible bands 212, 214, a support ring 216, asupport base 218, and first and second connection extensions 220, 222.The proximal ends 212 a, 214 a of the respective first and second innerflexible bands 212, 214 are laterally spaced apart and securely attachedto the support ring 216. The distal ends 212 b, 214 b of the first andsecond inner flexible bands 212, 214 are laterally spaced apart andsecurely attached to a proximal end 218 a of the support base 218. Eachof the first and second inner flexible bands 212, 214 may be attached tothe support ring 216 and/or the support base 218 in any suitable manner,including, for example, by press-fitting, welding, adhesives, and/orwith mechanical fasteners. As will be described in further detail below,the inner flexible band assembly 210 is configured to be slidablyreceived about the trocar assembly 270 (FIG. 28) and within the outerflexible band assembly 230 (FIG. 19) and the outer sleeve 206 (FIG. 17).

The first and second connection extensions 220, 222 of the innerflexible band assembly 210 extend proximally from the support ring 216and operably connect the inner flexible band assembly 210 with thepusher member 190 (FIG. 15) of the second pusher assembly 180 (FIG. 15)of the adapter assembly 100 (FIG. 3). In particular, each of the firstand second connection extensions 220, 222 define openings 221, 223configured to receive tabs 198 (FIG. 15) of the pusher member 190 (FIG.15) of the second pusher assembly 180. Receipt of the tabs 198 of thepusher member 190 within the openings 221, 223 of the respective firstand second extensions 220, 222 secure the inner flexible band assembly210 of the extension assembly 200 with the second pusher assembly 180 ofthe adapter assembly 100. The first and second connection extensions220, 222 may be integrally formed with the support ring 216, or attachedthereto in any suitable manner.

The support base 218 extends distally from the inner flexible bands 212,214 and is configured to selectively connect the extension assembly 200with the loading unit 40 (FIG. 34). Specifically, a distal end 218 a ofthe support base 218 includes a flange 224 for operable engagement withan axially movable assembly (not shown) of the loading unit 40 (FIG.34). In one embodiment, the flange 224 is configured for connection witha knife assembly (not shown) of the loading unit 40 (FIG. 34).

With reference now to FIG. 19, the outer flexible band assembly 230 issubstantially similar to the inner flexible band assembly 210 andincludes first and second flexible bands 232, 234 laterally spaced andconnected on proximal ends 232 a, 234 a to a support ring 236 and ondistal ends 234 b, 234 b to a proximal end 238 a of a support base 238.Each of the first and second outer flexible bands 232, 234 may beattached to the support ring 236 and the support base 238 in anysuitable manner, including, for example, by press-fitting, welding,adhesives, and/or with mechanical fasteners. As will be described infurther detail below, the outer flexible band assembly 230 is configuredto receive the trocar assembly 270 (FIG. 28) therethrough.

The first and second connection extensions 240, 242 of the outerflexible band assembly 230 extend proximally from the support ring 236and operably connect the outer flexible band assembly 230 with thepusher member 170 (FIG. 12) of the first pusher assembly 160 (FIG. 12)of the adapter assembly 100 (FIG. 1). In particular, each of the firstand second connection extensions 240, 242 define openings 241, 243configured to receive the tabs 178 (FIG. 12) of the pusher member 170 ofthe first pusher assembly 180. Receipt of the tabs 178 of the pushermember 170 within the openings 241, 243 of the respective first andsecond extensions 240, 242 secures the outer flexible band assembly 230of the extension assembly 200 with the first pusher assembly 180 of theadapter assembly 100. The first and second connection extensions 240,242 may be integrally formed with the support ring 236, or attachedthereto in any suitable manner.

The support base 238 extends distally from the outer flexible bands 232,234 and is configured to selectively connect the extension assembly 200with the loading unit 40 (FIG. 34). Specifically, a distal end 238 b ofthe support base 238 includes a flange 244 for operable engagement withan axially movable assembly (not shown) of a loading unit (not shown).In one embodiment, the flange 244 is configured for connection with astaple pusher assembly (not shown) of the loading unit 40 (FIG. 34).

With reference now to FIGS. 20-26, the frame assembly 250 includes firstand second proximal spacer members 252, 254, and first and second distalspacer members 256, 258. When secured together, the first and secondproximal spacer members 252, 254 define a pair of inner longitudinalslots 253 a for slidably receiving the first and second flexible bands212, 214 (FIG. 18) of the inner flexible band assembly 210 (FIG. 18) anda pair of outer longitudinal slots 253 b for slidably receiving thefirst and second flexible bands 232, 234 (FIG. 19) of the outer flexibleband assembly 230 (FIG. 19). The first and second proximal spacermembers 252, 254 further define a longitudinal passage 255 for receiptof the trocar assembly 270.

In one embodiment, and as shown, the first and second proximal spacermembers 252, 254 are formed of plastic and are secured together with asnap-fit arrangement. Alternatively, the first and second proximalspacer members 252, 254 may be formed of metal or other suitablematerial and may be secured together in any suitable manner, includingby welding, adhesives, and/or using mechanical fasteners.

The first and second distal spacer members 256, 258 define a pair ofinner slots 257 a for slidably receiving the first and second flexiblebands 212, 214 (FIG. 18) of the inner flexible band assembly 210 (FIG.18) and a pair of outer slots 257 b for slidably receiving the first andsecond flexible bands 232, 234 (FIG. 19) of the outer flexible bandassembly 230 (FIG. 19). The first and second distal spacer members 256,258 further define a longitudinal passage 259 for receipt of the trocarassembly 270.

In one embodiment, and as shown, each of the first and second distalspacer members 256, 258 are secured about the inner and outer flexibleband assemblies 210, 230 and to the outer sleeve 206 (FIG. 17) by a pairof screws 260 a, 260 b (FIG. 26). Alternatively, the first and seconddistal spacer members 256, 258 may be secured together in any suitablemanner, including by welding, adhesives, and/or using mechanicalfasteners. The first and second distal spacer members 256, 258 may beformed of metal or any other suitable material.

With reference now to FIGS. 27 and 28, the frame assembly 250 furtherincludes a proximal seal member 262 and first and second distal sealmembers 264, 266. Each of the proximal seal member 252 and the first andsecond distal seal members 264, 266 include seals halves 262 a, 262 b,264 a, 264 b, 266 a, 266 b, respectively. The proximal seal member 262is received between the first and second proximal spacer members 252,254 and the first and second distal spacer members 256, 258. The firsthalf 264 a of the first distal seal member 264 is secured to the firsthalf 266 a of the second distal seal member 266 and the second half 264b of the first distal seal member 264 is secured to the second half 266b of the second distal seal member 266. The proximal seal member 262 andthe first and second distal seal members 264, 266 engage the outersleeve 206 (FIG. 17), the inner and outer flexible bands 212, 214, 232,234 of the respective inner and outer flexible band assemblies 210, 230and the trocar assembly 270 (FIG. 28) in a sealing manner. In thismanner, the proximal seal member 262 and the first and second distalseal members 264, 266 operate to provide a fluid tight seal between thedistal end 204 and the proximal end 202 of the extension assembly 200.

With reference to FIGS. 29-32, the trocar assembly 270 of the extensionassembly 200 includes an outer housing 272, a trocar member 274 slidablydisposed within the tubular outer housing 272, and a drive screw 276operably received within the trocar member 274 for axially moving thetrocar member 274 relative to the tubular housing 272. In particular,the trocar member 274 includes a proximal end 274 a having an innerthreaded portion 275 which engages a threaded distal portion 276 b ofthe drive screw 276. As the drive screw 276 is rotated within the trocarmember 274, engagement of the inner threaded portion 275 of the trocarmember 274 with the threaded distal portion 276 b of the drive screw 276causes longitudinal movement of the trocar member 274 within the outerhousing 272 of the trocar assembly 270. Rotation of the drive screw 276in a first direction causes longitudinal advancement of the trocarmember 274 and rotation of the drive screw 276 in a second directioncauses longitudinal retraction of the trocar member 274. A distal end274 b of the trocar member 274 is configured to selectively engage theanvil assembly 50 (FIG. 34).

A bearing assembly 278 is mounted to a proximal end 272 a of the outerhousing 272 of the trocar assembly 270 for rotatably supporting aproximal end 276 a of the drive screw 276 relative to the outer housing272 and the trocar member 274. The bearing assembly 278 includes ahousing 278 a, proximal and distal spacers 278 b, proximal and distalretention clips 278 c, proximal and distal bearings 278 d, and a washer278 e. As shown, the proximal end 276 a of the drive screw 276 includesa flange 276 c for connection with a link assembly 280.

The link assembly 280 operably connects the transfer assembly 130 (FIG.6) of the adapter assembly 100 with the trocar assembly 270 (FIG. 30) ofthe extension assembly 200. More particularly, the link assembly 280transfers rotational energy from the drive member 140 (FIG. 6) of thetransfer assembly 130 of the adapter assembly 100 through the curvedouter tube 206 (FIG. 17) of the extension assembly 200 to the flange 276c (FIG. 29) on the proximal end 276 a of the drive screw 276 of thetrocar assembly 270 of the extension assembly 200.

With reference to FIGS. 29A and 29B, the link assembly 280 includes acoupling member 282, a first drive shaft 284, and a second drive shaft286. A proximal end 282 a of the coupling member 282 defines a recess283 a for receiving a distal end 284 b of the first drive shaft 284. Adistal end 282 b of the coupling member 282 defines a recess 283 a foroperably receiving the flange 276 c on the proximal end 276 a of thedrive screw 276. The coupling member 282 includes an annular flange 282c for rotatably receiving the coupling member 282 between the first andsecond proximal spacer members 252, 254 (FIG. 32). The proximal anddistal ends 284 a, 284 b of the first drive shaft 284 define oversizedopenings 285 a, 285 b, respectively, for receiving pins 288 a, 288 b,respectively. A distal end 286 b of the second drive shaft 286 defines arecess 287 for operably receiving the proximal end 284 a of the driveshaft 284. A proximal end 286 a of the drive shaft 286 includes a flange286 c for operable receipt within the socket 145 of the drive member 140of the drive transfer assembly 130 of the adapter assembly 100 (FIG.12).

With particular reference to FIG. 29B, the proximal end 284 a of thefirst drive shaft 284 is operably received within the recess 285 in thedistal end 286 of the second drive shaft 286. The distal end 284 b ofthe first drive shaft 284 is pivotally secured within the recess 283 aof the coupling member 282 by the pin 288 a received through theoversized opening 285 b in the distal end 284 b of the first drive shaft284. The proximal end 284 a of the first drive shaft 284 is pivotallysecured within the recess 287 in the distal end 286 b of the seconddrive shaft 286 by the pin 288 b received through the oversized opening285 a in the proximal end 284 a of the first drive shaft 284. Therecesses 283 a and 287 of the coupling member 282 and the second driveshaft 286, respectively, and the oversized openings 285 a, 285 b of thefirst drive shaft 284 are configured to permit pivoting of the seconddrive shaft 286 relative to the first drive shaft 284 and pivoting ofthe first drive shaft 284 relative to the coupling member 282 as each ofthe first and second drive shafts 284, 286, and the coupling member 282are rotated about their respective longitudinal axes to transferrotational force from the transfer assembly 130 (FIG. 6) of the adapterassembly 100 to the trocar assembly 270 (FIG. 30) of the extensionassembly 200.

With reference now to FIGS. 32 and 33, the connector assembly 290 of theextension assembly 200 includes a tubular connector 292 attached to adistal end 206 a of the outer sleeve 206 and about distal ends of theinner and outer flexible assemblies 210, 230 (FIG. 26) and the trocarassembly 270. In particular, a proximal end 292 a of the tubularconnector 292 is received within and securely attached to the distal end206 b of the outer sleeve 206 by a retaining clip 294. An O-ring 296forms a fluid tight seal between the tubular connector 292 of theconnector assembly 290 and the outer sleeve 206. A distal end 292 b ofthe tubular connector 292 is configured to selectively engage a proximalend of the loading unit 40 (FIG. 34). The distal end 292 b of thetubular connector 292 engages the circular loading unit 40 with asnap-fit arrangement, bayonet coupling, or in another suitable manner.

With reference now to FIGS. 34 and 35, the extension assembly 200 isconnected to the adapter assembly 100 by receiving the proximal end 202(FIG. 17) of the extension assembly 200 within the distal end 104 of theadapter assembly 100. In particular, the first and second connectionextensions 220, 222, 240, 242 of respective inner and outer flexibleband assemblies 210, 230 are received within the sleeve 106 of theadapter assembly 100 such that tabs 178 of the pusher member 170 of thefirst pusher assembly 160 of the adapter assembly 100 are receivedwithin the openings 241, 243 of the respective first and secondconnection extensions 240, 242 of the outer flexible band assembly 230.In this manner, the outer flexible band assembly 230 is secured with thefirst pusher assembly 160. Additionally, the tabs 198 of the pushermember 190 of the second pusher assembly 180 of the adapter assembly 100are received within the openings 221, 223 of the first and secondconnection extensions 221, 223 of the inner flexible band assembly 210to secure the inner flexible band assembly 210 with the second pusherassembly 180.

As noted above, adapter assembly 100 may include a drive shaft 108 (FIG.3) that extends from the distal end 104 of the adapter assembly 100.Prior to receipt of the proximal portion 202 of the extension assembly200 within the distal end 104 of the extension assembly 100, the driveshaft 108 is removed from the adapter assembly 100. As the proximalportion 202 of the extension assembly 200 is received within the distalend 102 of the adapter assembly 100, the proximal end 286 a (FIG. 17) ofthe second drive shaft 286 (FIG. 17) is received within the socket 145of the drive member 140 of the drive transfer assembly 130 of theextension assembly 100 (FIG. 12).

After the extension assembly 200 is operably engaged with the adapterassembly 100, and the adapter assembly 100 is operably engaged with thesurgical device 10 (FIG. 1), the loading unit 40 (FIG. 34) of the endeffector 30 (FIG. 34) may be attached to the connector assembly 290 ofthe extension assembly 200 and an anvil assembly 50 (FIG. 34) may beattached to the distal end 274 b of the trocar 274 of the extensionassembly 200 in a conventional manner. During actuation of the loadingunit 40 and the anvil assembly 50, longitudinal advancement of thepusher member 190 of the second pusher assembly 180 of the adapterassembly 100, as described above, and as indicated by arrows “C” in FIG.35, causes longitudinal advancement of the outer flexible band assembly230 of the extension assembly 200 and longitudinal advancement of thepusher member 170 of the first pusher assembly 160, as described above,and as indicated by arrows “D” in FIG. 35, causes longitudinaladvancement of the inner flexible band assembly 210. Rotation of thedrive shaft 108 in a first direction, as described above, and asindicated by arrow “E”, causes advancement of the trocar 274 of theextension assembly 200. Conversely, longitudinal retraction of thepusher member 190 causes longitudinal retraction of the outer flexibleband assembly 230, longitudinal retraction of the pusher member 170causes longitudinal retraction of the inner flexible band assembly 210,and rotation of the drive shaft 108 in a second direction causesretraction of the trocar 274 of the extension assembly 200.

In embodiments, the inner flexible band assembly 210 operably connectsthe second pusher assembly 180 of the adapter assembly 100 with a knifeassembly (not show) of the loading unit 40 (FIG. 34) of the end effector30 (FIG. 34) attached to the connection assembly 290 of the extensionassembly 200. The outer flexible band assembly 230 operably connects thefirst pusher assembly 160 of the adapter assembly 100 with a stapledriver assembly (not shown) of the loading unit 40. The trocar assembly270 operably connects the drive transfer assembly 130 of the adapterassembly 100 to the anvil assembly 50 (FIG. 34) of the end effector 30(FIG. 34). In this manner, operation of the second pusher assembly 160causes longitudinal movement of the inner flexible band assembly 210which causes longitudinal movement of the knife assembly, operation ofthe first pusher assembly 180 causes longitudinal movement of the outerflexible band assembly 230 which causes longitudinal movement of thestaple driver assembly, and operation of the drive transfer assembly 130causes longitudinal movement of the trocar 274 which causes longitudinalmovement of the anvil assembly 50 relative to the loading unit 40.

By stacking the first and second pusher assemblies 160, 180 of theadapter assembly 100, as described, and positioning the drive shaft 108of the transfer assembly 130 through the first and second pusherassemblies 160, 180, the adapter assembly 100 can perform threefunctions through an access port or other opening (not shown) having asmall diameter, e.g., 21 mm. Similarly, by configuring the innerflexible band assembly 210 within the outer flexible band assembly 230and receiving the trocar assembly 270 through the inner and outerflexible band assemblies 210, 230, the extension assembly 200 canperform three functions through an access port or other opening (notshown) having a small diameter, e.g., 21 mm.

With reference now to FIGS. 36-45, an adapter assembly according toanother embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as adapterassembly 300. Adapter assembly 300 is substantially similar to adapterassembly 100 described hereinabove and will only be described as relatesto the differences therebetween.

As will become apparent from the following description, theconfiguration of adapter assembly 300 permits rotation of a distalportion 304 of adapter assembly 300 about a longitudinal axis “x” (FIG.37), relative to a proximal portion 302 of adapter assembly 300. In thismanner, an end effector, e.g. the end effector 30 (FIG. 34) secured tothe distal portion 304 of the adapter assembly 300 or an end effectorsecured to an extension assembly, e.g., the extension assembly 200 (FIG.17) which is secured to the distal portion 304 of the adapter assembly300 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis “x” independent of movementof the surgical device (not shown) to which the adapter assembly 300 isattached.

With particular reference to FIG. 37, the adapter assembly 300 includesa base 306 and a support structure 308 rotatable relative to the base306 along the longitudinal axis “x” of the adapter assembly 300. Arotation handle 310 is rotatably secured to the base 306 and is fixedlysecured to a proximal end of support structure 308. The rotation handle310 permits longitudinal rotation of the distal portion 304 of theadapter assembly 300 relative to the proximal end 302 of the adapterassembly 300. A latch 312 (FIG. 36) is mounted to the rotation handle310 and selectively secures the rotation handle 310 in a fixedlongitudinal position.

With reference still to FIG. 37, the proximal portion 302 of the adapterassembly 300 includes a drive coupling assembly 320 and a drive transferassembly 330 operably connected to the drive coupling assembly 320. Thedistal portion 304 of the adapter assembly 300 includes a first pusherassembly 340 operably connected to the drive transfer assembly 330, anda second pusher assembly 380 operably connected to the drive transferassembly 330. The drive coupling assembly 320 and the drive transferassembly 330 are mounted within the base 306 and remain rotationallyfixed relative to the surgical device (not shown) to which the adapterassembly 300 is attached. The first pusher assembly 340 and the secondpusher assembly 380 are mounted within the support structure 308 and arerotatable relative to the surgical device (not shown) to which theadapter assembly 300 is attached.

The drive coupling assembly 320 is configured to selectively secureadapter assembly 300 to a surgical device (not shown). For a detaileddescription of an exemplary surgical device and drive coupling assembly,please refer to commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/550,183, filed Nov. 21, 2014, the content of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

With continued reference to FIGS. 36 and 37, the rotation handle 310 ofthe adapter assembly 300 is rotatably secured to the base 306. The latch312 is configured to lock the rotation handle 310 relative to the base306. Proximal movement of the latch 312, as indicated by arrow “F” inFIG. 36, disengages the latch 312 from the base 306 to permit rotationof the rotation handle 310 relative to the base 306. For a detaileddescription of an exemplary rotation handle and latch mechanism, pleaserefer to commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/066,518, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

The support structure 308 is fixedly received about the first and seconddrive pusher assemblies 340, 380 and is rotatable relative to the base306. As noted above, the rotation handle 310 is fixedly secured to theproximal end of the support structure 308 to facilitate rotation of thesupport structure 308 relative to the base 306. The support structure308 is retained within the outer sleeve 305 of the adapter assembly 300and is configured to maintain axial alignment of the first and seconddrive pusher assemblies 340, 380. For a detailed description of anexemplary support structure, please refer to commonly owned U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/066,518, the content of whichwas previously incorporated by reference herein.

The drive transfer assembly 330, the first pusher assembly 340, and thesecond drive pusher assembly 380 of the adapter assembly 300 aresubstantially identical to the respective drive transfer assembly 130,first pusher assembly 160, and second drive pusher assembly 180 of theadapter assembly 100 described hereinabove, and therefore, will only bedescribed as relates to the differences therebetween.

Briefly, the first pusher assembly 340 includes a planetary gearassembly 346 operably supported within a proximal housing section 342and a screw member 348 operably connected to the planetary gear assembly346 and rotatably supported within a distal housing section 344. Thefirst pusher assembly 340 further includes a pusher member 350 operablyconnected to the screw member 348 and slidably disposed within thedistal housing section 344.

With particular reference to FIGS. 38-41, the pusher member 350 includesa substantially cylindrical body 352 having a threaded proximal innersurface 352 a and opposed planar outer surfaces 354, 356. Retainers 358,360 extend from the respective planar outer surfaces 354, 356. Each ofthe retainers 358, 360 includes a pair of elongate flanges 358 a, 358 b,360 a, 360 b, respectively, and a connector 358 c, 360 c, respectively,connecting a proximal end of the elongate flanges 358 a, 358 b, 360 a,360 b, respectively. Each of the retainers 358, 360 defines alongitudinal slot 359, 361, respectively, between respective elongateflanges 358 a, 358 b, 360 a, 360 b.

A pawl assembly 362, 364 is received within each of the longitudinalslots 359, 361, respectively. The pawl assemblies 362, 364 each includea plurality of pawl members 362 a-e, 364 a-e, respectively(collectively, pawls 366, 368, respectively), and pivot pins 363, 365.The pawls 366, 368 are secured within the respective longitudinal slots359, 361 by the pivot pins 363, 365, respectively, received throughopenings 367, 369, respectively, formed in the respective distal ends366 b, 368 b of the pawls 366, 368, respectively. The pawls 366, 368each include a curved profile and are formed of a resilient material.Protrusions 370, 372 are formed on an outer curved surface of therespective pawls 366, 368 proximal to the distal ends 366 b, 368 b,respectively. The protrusions 370, 372 each include a flat proximalfacing surface 370 a, 372 a, respectively, and a slanted or inclineddistal facing surface 370 b, 372 b. As will be described in furtherdetail below, the protrusions 370, 372 are configured to be receivedwithin openings 241, 243 (FIG. 43) of respective connector extensions240, 242 (FIG. 43) of outer flexible band 230 (FIG. 42) of the extensionassembly 200 (FIG. 42) to secure the outer flexible band 230 to thepusher member 350 of the first pusher assembly 340 when the extensionassembly 200 is secured to the adapter assembly 300.

With particular reference to FIGS. 40 and 41, the pawls 366, 368 of thepawl assemblies 362, 364, respectively, are received within respectivelongitudinal slots 359, 361 of retainers 358, 360, respectively, withthe respective distal ends 366 b, 368 b secured to retainers 358, 360,respectively, by pivot pins 363, 365, respectively. The proximal ends366 a, 368 a of the pawls 366, 368, respectively, are received under therespective connectors 358 c, 360 c of the retainers 358, 360,respectively, and engage the planar surfaces 354, 356, respectively, ofthe cylindrical body 352 of the pusher member 350. The pawls 366, 368are configured such that the protrusions 370, 372, respective, extendabove the elongate flanges 358 a, 358 b, 360 a, 360 b, respectively, ofthe retainers 358, 360, respectively, when the respective pawls 366, 368are in a first or initial position (FIG. 40).

With reference now to FIGS. 42 and 43, the curved profile of pawls 366,368 is such that an inward force applied to the protrusions 370, 372,respectively, when the respective inclined distal surfaces 370 b, 372 bare engaged by connector extensions 240, 242, respectively, of outerflexible band 230 (FIG. 42) of the extension assembly 200 (FIG. 42)cause the pawls 366, 368 to flex inwardly. As the pawls 366, 368 flexinwardly the protrusions 370, 372, respectively, are positioned belowthe respective retainers 358, 360, thereby allowing connector extensions240, 242 of outer flexible band 230 to pass over the respectiveretainers 358, 360. Once the openings 241, 243 of respective connectorextensions 240, 242 align with the protrusions 370, 372, respectively,of the respective pawls 366, 368, the pawls 366, 368, respectivelyspring back to the initial position (FIG. 45), causing the protrusions370, 372, respectively, to be received within the respective openings241, 243 of the connector extensions 240, 242, respectively, such thatthe outer flexible band 230 (FIG. 42) of the extension assembly 200(FIG. 42) is secured to the first pusher member 340.

Once the connector extensions 240, 242 of the outer flexible band 230 ofthe extension assembly 200 are received over the pawls 366, 368,respectively, and once the protrusions 370, 372 are received withinrespective openings 241, 243 of the respective connector extensions 240,242, engagement of the connector extensions 240, 242 by the flatproximal surface 370 a, 372 a of the protrusions 370, 372, respectively,prevents the connector extensions 240, 242 from being disengaging fromthe first pusher assembly 340 during operation of the adapter assembly300 and the extension assembly 200.

The adapter assembly 300 operates in a substantially similar manner toadapter assembly 100 described hereinabove. In addition, adapterassembly 300 is configured to permit rotation of an end effector, e.g.,end effector 30 (FIG. 34) attached to adapter assembly 300 or attachedto an extension assembly that is attached to adapter assembly 300 to beselectively rotated about longitudinal axis “x” (FIG. 36) during use.

Any of the components described herein may be fabricated from eithermetals, plastics, resins, composites or the like taking intoconsideration strength, durability, wearability, weight, resistance tocorrosion, ease of manufacturing, cost of manufacturing, and the like.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methodsspecifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned thatthe elements and features illustrated or described in connection withone exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and featuresof another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features andadvantages of the disclosure based on the above-described embodiments.Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has beenparticularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical assembly for operably connecting anend effector to an electrosurgical instrument, the surgical assemblycomprising: an adapter assembly including, a connector assembly; a drivetransfer assembly operably received through the connector assembly andincluding a first rotatable shaft; and a first pusher assembly operablyconnected to the first rotatable shaft for converting rotational motionfrom the first rotatable shaft to longitudinal movement to perform afirst function, the first pusher assembly including a first pushermember and first and second pawl assemblies; and an extension assemblyoperably connected to a distal end of the adapter assembly, theextension assembly including a flexible band assembly operablyconnectable to the first and second pawl assemblies of the first pusherassembly.
 2. The surgical assembly of claim 1, further including asecond pusher assembly, and a second rotatable shaft operably connectedto the second pusher assembly for converting rotational motion from thesecond rotatable shaft to longitudinal movement to perform a secondfunction.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, further including a drive member,and a third rotatable shaft operably connected to the drive assembly fortransferring rotational motion from the third rotatable shaft to performa third function.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first pawlassembly includes a first plurality of pawl members, and the second pawlassembly includes a second plurality of pawl members.
 5. The assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the flexible band assembly includes first and secondconnector members, each of the first and second connector membersdefining an opening configured for selective receipt of a respective oneof the first and second pawl assemblies.
 6. The assembly of claim 5,wherein the first plurality of pawl members includes a protrusionselectively receivable within the opening of the first connector member,and the second plurality of pawl members includes a protrusionselectively receivable within the opening of the second connectormember.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein each of the protrusionsincludes a flat proximal facing surface and a slanted distal facingsurface.
 8. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the first and secondplurality of pawl members are pivotally secured to the pusher member. 9.The assembly of claim 4, wherein the pusher member includes a firstretainer for supporting the first plurality of pawl members, and asecond retainer for supporting the second plurality of pawl members. 10.The assembly of claim 9, wherein the first and second retainers eachdefine a longitudinal slot for receiving the respective first and secondplurality of pawl members.
 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein thefirst plurality of pawl members are pivotally received within thelongitudinal slot of the first retainer, and the second plurality ofpawl members are pivotally received within the longitudinal slot of thesecond retainer.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the firstand second plurality of pawl members are configured to flex radiallyinward.
 13. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the first and secondplurality of pawl members each include a curved profile.
 14. Theassembly of claim 4, wherein the first and second plurality of pawlmembers are each formed of a resilient material.